Datsyuk to return Friday

Detroit, MI (SportsNetwork.com) - Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk is expected to return to the lineup for Friday's game against Buffalo after recovering from a knee injury.

Datsyuk missed 16 games because of knee inflammation and last played on Feb. 27. The Wings were 8-6-2 without him.

It's been an injury-plagued season for Datsyuk, who has suited up for just 39 games. He missed nearly all of January with a leg injury and sat out seven games in November and December with a concussion.

Datsyuk was Detroit's second-leading goal scorer with 15 before his latest injury. He also has 18 assists and has 33 points for the season.